Abu Dhabi is turning cultural attractions into spaces for children’s reading through the We Read for Children initiative. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) under the Kalima Reading Club, the programme combines Arabic storytelling and hands-on workshops for children aged 6 to 12. The events aim to encourage a love of reading, strengthen Arabic language skills and connect younger generations with their cultural identity.
- Location: Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Gracia Farm
- Organisation: Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre
- Dates: 7 October to 28 November 2026
- Who can benefit: Children aged 6 to 12 and their families
- Wider impact: Supports Arabic literacy, cultural engagement and family learning
- What’s next: Storytelling sessions at Louvre Abu Dhabi on 31 October and 28 November, and Gracia Farm on 15 November
Abu Dhabi’s museums are becoming places where children can discover Arabic books through storytelling and creative activities. The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre is organising five events under its We Read for Children initiative from 7 October to 28 November 2026, bringing sessions to the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Gracia Farm.
Part of the Kalima Reading Club, the Arabic storytelling events in Abu Dhabi are designed for children aged 6 to 12. The programme encourages young readers to engage with stories, express their ideas and develop their creativity in settings beyond the classroom. It also supports the Centre’s wider efforts to promote Arabic reading and strengthen cultural identity among younger generations.
Five events across Abu Dhabi’s cultural spaces
The five-session programme began at the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, where two events took place on 7 and 10 October. The initiative then moves to other venues, giving children opportunities to experience Arabic stories in different surroundings.
The remaining sessions are scheduled as follows:
- 31 October 2026: A storytelling session at Louvre Abu Dhabi featuring author Dr Fatima Al Mazrouei.
- 15 November 2026: A session at Gracia Farm.
- 28 November 2026: The closing session at Louvre Abu Dhabi.
The choice of venues gives the programme a different setting from a conventional reading session. Children can engage with stories while visiting cultural attractions or spending time outdoors with their families.
The ALC has not confirmed public ticket prices or walk-in arrangements in the announcement. Parents should check the organiser’s official updates before planning a visit.
How the programme makes Arabic reading interactive?
The We Read for Children initiative uses selected stories from the ALC’s Esdarat publishing programme and Kalima Project for Translation. Rather than focusing only on reading aloud, the sessions include creative workshops and activities that encourage children to participate.
According to the Centre, children can interact with stories and characters, share their ideas through dialogue and take part in practical activities. These experiences are intended to develop listening, expression and creativity alongside an interest in books.
For younger readers, interactive storytelling can make reading feel less like a classroom task. It gives children opportunities to ask questions, respond to characters and connect ideas from a story with their own experiences.
The programme also introduces children to Arabic-language publications selected by the Centre. This can help families discover books and stories that they may want to explore together after the events.
Kalima Reading Club has a wider role in promoting books
The events form part of the Kalima Reading Club, a community initiative launched by the ALC’s Kalima Project for Translation in 2018. Its purpose is to encourage reading as a shared social activity and promote Arabic-language books through cultural sessions, discussions and literary events.
The club also works with cultural, government and academic institutions to bring readers together around books published through the Kalima and Esdarat programmes.
The We Read for Children initiative is one part of the Centre’s broader effort to encourage reading among younger audiences. Another programme, the Kalima School Reading Club, focuses on students in educational settings.
In February 2026, the ALC announced plans to expand the school programme to 40 schools across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. The initiative includes interactive reading sessions, educational activities and the distribution of books, with the aim of making reading a regular part of school and family life.
These programmes show how the Centre is approaching reading through several settings, from schools and public spaces to museums and cultural venues.
UAE’s sustainable reading campaign targets 100,000 people
The museum storytelling sessions also support the ALC’s Community Campaign to Support Sustainable Reading, which entered its second cycle in 2026 alongside the UAE’s Year of Family.
The campaign aims to reach 100,000 people during the year. According to the ALC, more than 62,000 people benefited from its activities during the first half of 2026.
Its work extends beyond children’s storytelling. The campaign includes initiatives that make Arabic books available in public facilities, educational institutions and other everyday settings.
For example, the Centre’s Khazanat Al Kutub initiative, which places its publications in key public facilities, reached more than 54,000 beneficiaries during the first half of 2026. The Reading in Public initiative also distributed more than 1,000 Arabic-language books to the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority and Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City.
The wider campaign reflects the Centre’s aim to make reading more accessible and encourage people to engage with Arabic books as part of everyday life.
Why it matters for families in Abu Dhabi?
For families, the programme offers a way to combine a cultural outing with an activity that supports children’s language development. It also gives young readers an opportunity to experience Arabic stories in settings beyond home and school.
The initiative is particularly relevant to parents who want to encourage their children to read more Arabic. Interactive sessions can help children build confidence in expressing their thoughts, while family participation can extend that interest beyond a single event.
The programme also supports Abu Dhabi’s wider cultural and educational ambitions by connecting reading with museums, literary activities and community engagement.
The next sessions take place at Louvre Abu Dhabi on 31 October, Gracia Farm on 15 November and Louvre Abu Dhabi again on 28 November 2026. Families interested in attending should confirm availability and any registration requirements through the organiser’s official channels.
FAQs
What is the We Read for Children initiative in Abu Dhabi?
It is an initiative by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre under the Kalima Reading Club. It combines Arabic storytelling sessions with creative workshops to encourage children to read and develop their language and communication skills.
When are the storytelling events taking place?
The five events run from 7 October to 28 November 2026. The remaining sessions are scheduled for 31 October, 15 November and 28 November.
Where will the remaining sessions take place?
Louvre Abu Dhabi will host sessions on 31 October and 28 November, while Gracia Farm will host an event on 15 November.
Which age group can participate?
The programme is designed for children aged 6 to 12. It uses interactive storytelling and hands-on activities to encourage participation.
What is the Community Campaign to Support Sustainable Reading?
It is an ALC campaign that promotes reading as a regular habit and expands access to Arabic-language books. Its 2026 target is to reach 100,000 people.
Encouraging the next generation of Arabic readers
Abu Dhabi’s We Read for Children initiative brings books into cultural and community spaces, giving young readers a chance to explore Arabic stories through participation and creative activities. The programme is part of a wider effort to make reading more accessible and strengthen children’s connection with the Arabic language.
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